Fresh Connections: Virginia's Senior Farmers Market Program Fights Food Insecurity

Fresh Connections: Virginia's Senior Farmers Market Program Fights Food Insecurity

One in two aging Virginians say they don't have access to affordable, quality food — yet this crisis often stays invisible. In this episode, host Dr. Melicent Miller examines how Virginia is tackling senior food insecurity through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which gives qualifying adults 60 and older a $50 benefit to spend on fresh, locally grown produce at authorized markets statewide. Dr. Miller speaks with Kelly Wright, registered dietician and nutrition coordinator at the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services; Tegan Moore, manager of the Birdhouse Farmers Market in Richmond's Randolph neighborhood; and Steve Zollos, CEO of Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia. Together they explore the program's statewide expansion (14,000+ seniors served last year), a new app-based payment system that makes transactions more flexible for both seniors and farmers, and how markets like Birdhouse are serving food deserts and seeing surging senior participation. The conversation also digs into a key barrier: digital literacy. Steve Zollos introduces the "Silver Surfers" coaching program, which helps older adults navigate smartphones and the internet — and why cracking that barrier could be the catalyst for connecting seniors to a whole network of services. Guests close with a call to advocate, volunteer, and get involved in senior services now.

Aging in Place: Senior Housing, Nutrition, and Community Connection

For older Virginians, aging in place is the goal — but getting there requires far more than just a roof overhead and a hot meal. Host Dr. Melicent Miller speaks with Steve Zollos, CEO of Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, Kelly Wright, a registered dietician with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and Caitlyn Allen, Director of Wellness at Senior Services. Topics covered include the affordable senior housing crisis and creative solutions like repurposing historic buildings, the role of congregate meal programs (rebranded as "Better Together Cafes") in combating social isolation, how evidence-based programs like Bingocize blend physical activity and health education, and how technology is expanding access for homebound seniors through virtual meal gatherings and programming. The episode features the story of Hayden Village Center in Franklin, Virginia — a formerly vacant all-Black high school transformed into 28 affordable senior apartments, a community center, medical clinic, and community garden. Guests also discuss the importance of culturally relevant meals, the permanence of the "age wave," and why meeting the needs of a growing senior population requires a fundamental shift in how communities think about aging. For past episodes, show notes, and transcripts, visit VirginiaPaths.org/podcast.

Leveling the Playing Field: Adaptive Sports and Community Health

For people with disabilities, adaptive sports offer more than fitness—they provide connection, recovery, and a community that understands. Host Dr. Melicent Miller speaks with Caitlyn Berry, Director of Government Relations at Sportable and occupational therapist, and Mark Miller, an adaptive sports ambassador who has used a wheelchair for over 32 years. Together they explore how Sportable—a Richmond, Virginia-based nonprofit—uses adaptive sports and recreation to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing people with disabilities. Topics covered include the link between disability and social isolation, the physical and mental health benefits of adaptive sports (Sportable's data shows over 90% of participants report improvements across all three dimensions of health), barriers to access like equipment costs and inaccessible facilities, and how adaptive sports complement traditional rehabilitation and occupational therapy. The episode features two powerful stories: Mandy, a quadriplegic athlete who went from thinking she was "too disabled to participate" to competing with Team USA at the 2025 World Wheelchair Rugby Americas Championship; and Mark's own recovery from a life-threatening staph infection, which he credits in part to years of staying active through sport and community. Sportable partners with Sheltering Arms Institute and VCU Health to connect newly injured patients with adaptive sports programs as part of their continuum of care. Note: This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. For past episodes, show notes, and transcripts, visit VirginiaPaths.org/podcast [https://virginiapaths.org/podcast/].

Faith Organizations as Health Anchors

This episode explores the powerful partnership between public health and faith-based organizations across Virginia. Dr. Melicent Miller speaks with Veronica Cosby, program manager for Virginia Partners in Prayer and Prevention, about how faith communities serve as trusted messengers and community anchors in promoting health. Veronica shares how the P3 program expanded during COVID-19 to support 114 faith communities addressing health disparities through various initiatives, from telehealth support to food security programs. The conversation highlights the importance of meeting communities where they are and listening to their unique needs to build effective health partnerships.

Building Brain-Healthy Communities

In this episode, we explore comprehensive approaches to brain health and physical wellness for Virginia's aging population. Dr. Melicent Miller speaks with George Worthington, Dementia Services Coordinator at Virginia's Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, about strategies for brain health from early prevention to supportive care for those living with dementia. Nick Turkas from the Arthritis Foundation shares insights on their Walk with Ease program and how physical activity can be the key to preventing cascading health issues. Together, they discuss innovative initiatives that combat social isolation, improve access to healthy foods, and build more supportive communities where all Virginians can age with dignity.